REPORT: Hispanic College Enrollment Up by 15 Percent; Surpasses that of Whites

According to a new report by the U.S. Census bureau Hispanic college enrollment increased by 15 percent from 2011-to-2012 while overall college enrollment declined.

The report shows that nearly 3.4 million Latino students are attending college either as undergraduates or graduates. Latino students now represent 11 percent of the overall college student population; just six years ago they represented 11 percent.

Foreign-born students and children of foreign-born parents make up 32 percent of the overall college student population.

The overall student population declined from 2011-to-2012 by 2.3 percent, reversing a five-year trend.

This report reflects that for the first time, a greater number of Hispanic high school graduates are enrolled in college than whites. According to the Census Bureau, 49 percent of young Hispanic high school graduates were enrolled in college. While 47 percent of white non-Hispanic high school graduates were enrolled in college.

Pew Research did an analysis of the U.S. Census information and noted that the Hispanic high school dropout rate continues to fall creating a bigger pipeline of college-hopefuls.

In another demographic milestone Hispanics make up one-fourth or 25 percent of all public school students.